Plastic surgery is becoming increasingly popular, with over 17 million surgical and minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2020 alone. However, because plastic surgery produces permanent changes to your appearance, it’s natural to have some concerns about whether you might end up regretting your decision. There are many factors that can contribute to satisfaction or regret after plastic surgery. Carefully considering your reasons for wanting plastic surgery, having realistic expectations, choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon, and following all pre- and post-operative instructions can help increase your chances of being happy with your results.
Why do people get plastic surgery?
There are many different motivations for pursuing plastic surgery:
- Improve appearance and boost self-confidence
- Look more youthful and rejuvenated
- Enhance natural features and correct perceived flaws
- Feel better about your body after changes like pregnancy or weight loss
- Improve physical function like breathing or movement
- Reconstruct appearance after injury, disease, or congenital issues
Research indicates that patients who undergo procedures to improve body image tend to experience better outcomes and higher satisfaction than those simply seeking to please others. Understanding your own reasons for wanting plastic surgery can help you determine if it is likely to improve your self-esteem and quality of life.
What factors increase regret risk?
While most patients are satisfied with their results, some do end up regretting their decision. Elements that can contribute to regret include:
- Unrealistic expectations about possible results
- Focusing on pleasing others rather than personal goals
- Underlying body dysmorphic disorder
- Inadequate research on surgeon and procedure
- Poor communication with the surgeon
- Complications during or after surgery
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, which impair healing
Patients with good mental health who know their motivations, do thorough research, and follow surgeons’ instructions tend to have the highest satisfaction rates.
What procedures have the highest regret rates?
Some types of plastic surgery tend to produce more regret than others. Procedures with higher dissatisfaction risks include:
- Breast augmentation – Up to 20% express regret or desire removal
- Liposuction – Up to 20% may be dissatisfied with irregularities
- Rhinoplasty – 16% regret due to improper surgeon selection
- Facelift – 10% regret rate, often associated with noticeable scarring
- Tummy tucks – Nearly 25% of abdominalplasties require revision surgery
Procedures with more modest regret rates around 5% include eyelid surgery, breast lifts, and neck lifts.
Do people regret weight loss surgery?
Bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass and gastric banding have increased in popularity for treating obesity. Research shows most weight loss surgery patients are happy with their decision:
- Over 95% said it improved their daily life
- 89% said it boosted their self-confidence
- 95% would recommend it to others
However, potential downsides leading to regret include:
- Suboptimal weight loss (10-15% of patients)
- Requirement for strict dietary changes
- Possible vitamin deficiency and malnutrition
- Need for reversal or revision surgery in up to 20% of patients
Candidates should have a thorough medical and psychological evaluation to determine if they are appropriate for bariatric surgery.
Can I regret gender confirmation surgery?
Gender confirmation surgeries like top surgery, facial feminization, and bottom surgery are major, life-changing procedures. While most transgender patients are satisfied with their results, regret is possible if:
- Surgery is pursued too hastily before living fully as desired gender
- Hormone therapy and counseling needs are not addressed
- Patient has unrealistic goals for passing or transitioning
- Social support system is inadequate after surgery
- Patient is not fully comfortable with surgical results
Regret rates for gender confirmation procedures are estimated between 1-3%. Thorough mental health evaluation and counseling support before and after surgery is crucial.
How can I reduce plastic surgery regret risk?
These steps can help patients minimize regret and maximize satisfaction:
- Have clear personal goals and realistic expectations
- Address any underlying body image or mental health issues
- Research surgeon credentials and experience thoroughly
- Communicate aesthetic goals and medical history transparently
- Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully
- Arrange adequate recovery assistance and support
- Discuss concerns openly with your surgeon
Being informed and proactive leads to the best outcomes.
What if I do regret my plastic surgery?
For those who do experience regret, options may include:
- Revision surgery – Many procedures can be adjusted for improved aesthetics or functionality.
- Implant removal – Items like breast implants or chin implants can usually be removed.
- Counseling – Therapy may help adjust to changes and address underlying emotional issues.
- Scar revision – Strategies like laser therapy can improve the appearance of scars.
Discussing things honestly with your surgeon right away provides the most choices. With time and treatment, regrets can often be resolved.
What percentage of patients regret plastic surgery?
| Procedure | Estimated Regret Rate |
|---|---|
| Breast augmentation | 10-25% |
| Liposuction | 10-20% |
| Nose surgery | 15-20% |
| Eyelid surgery | 5-10% |
| Tummy tuck | 15-25% |
| Facelift | 5-15% |
| Breast lift | 5-10% |
| Neck lift | 3-5% |
Overall plastic surgery regret rates are estimated between 5-15% on average. Proper planning and realistic goals can reduce regret risk.
Conclusion
Plastic surgery can yield impressive and gratifying results when patients put in the necessary preparation. Having clear motivations, reasonable expectations, and good support can minimize the chances of regret. While some procedures have higher dissatisfaction rates, focusing on your own personal goals rather than pleasing others greatly improves satisfaction. Staying informed, choosing your surgeon carefully, and following all instructions also improves outcomes. For those who do experience regret, revision surgeries, counseling, and open communication with your doctor can help resolve concerns. With proper precautions and perspective, most plastic surgery patients can avoid regret and feel better about their appearance.